Ranch Chicken Recipe

Ranch chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together the savory, creamy goodness of ranch seasoning with the tender, juicy texture of chicken. Cooking it in the air fryer takes it to the next level by ensuring a perfectly crispy exterior with minimal oil, making it healthier and faster than traditional methods. The air fryer locks in the moisture while allowing the ranch seasoning to coat the chicken beautifully, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

This ranch chicken recipe is versatile, too. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes or even add other herbs and spices to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Plus, with the air fryer’s efficient cooking process, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ranch Chicken

Ranch chicken made in the air fryer is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. The chicken is coated in a flavorful ranch seasoning mix and air-fried to crispy perfection. With minimal oil, this recipe is lower in fat than traditional fried chicken but still boasts that irresistible crispy skin. It’s a perfect balance of tender meat, zesty flavor, and crunchy texture that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. The dish is great for busy weeknights and can be served with various side dishes, like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, to create a complete meal.

This ranch chicken is made using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a lean protein source. The seasoning blend combines ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of black pepper, offering a satisfying yet simple flavor profile. With the air fryer doing most of the work, you’ll enjoy the crispy crunch without the guilt.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken Ranch, Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 572kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Mixing bowls

Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the seasoning will stick and helps achieve a crispy texture.
  
• Season the Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Coat each piece of chicken evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve the desired crispy texture.
  
• Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush the chicken with a thin layer of olive oil. Place the chicken in the basket, ensuring there’s space between the pieces for air circulation. Air fry for 10 minutes.
  
• Flip the Chicken: After 10 minutes, carefully flip the chicken pieces over using tongs or a fork. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy.
  
• Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
  

Video

Notes

• You can use chicken thighs for a juicier result, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 97g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 258mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 1643mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 4mg

Health Benefits:

Ranch chicken in the air fryer is a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, thanks to its reduced oil content. By using the air fryer, you’re able to achieve the crispy texture you love without the excess fat that comes from deep frying. Chicken itself is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body health. The ranch seasoning, while often associated with indulgence, contains dried herbs like dill and parsley, which offer mild antioxidant properties.

Air frying also retains more nutrients in the chicken compared to methods like deep frying or pan-frying, which can leach out beneficial nutrients due to higher heat and longer cooking times. This recipe is low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Additionally, using olive oil instead of butter provides healthy fats, which support heart health and maintain good cholesterol levels.

By choosing to cook this ranch chicken in the air fryer, you not only reduce your calorie intake but also decrease the amount of unhealthy fats in your meal, making it a heart-healthy option suitable for a balanced diet.